Category: World

BEIJING: China has described a recent International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling on climate change as “positive,“ aligning with the stance of developing nations. The ICJ declared that states bear legal obligations to address climate change, with potential reparations for failures. Foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stated, “The advisory opinion reflects the long-term positions and… Continue reading China welcomes ICJ climate ruling as positive step for global cooperation

ODESA: A Russian overnight attack on the border region of Kharkiv killed three members of a Ukrainian family who had earlier fled their homes to escape Russian advances, authorities announced Thursday. Moscow has intensified drone and missile strikes on Ukraine more than three years into Russia’s invasion, even as ceasefire talks continue. “The bodies of… Continue reading Russian attack kills displaced Ukrainian family in Kharkiv

KFAR YONA: Eight people were hospitalised after a car crashed into a bus stop in central Israel on Thursday, in what authorities suspect was a deliberate attack. Emergency services confirmed the incident occurred near Kfar Yona, with victims ranging from mild to moderate injuries. Israel’s Magen David Adom (MDA) reported receiving the alert at 9:25… Continue reading Suspected car-ramming attack in Israel leaves eight injured

KABUL: A United Nations report has accused Taliban authorities of committing human rights violations against Afghans forcibly returned from Iran and Pakistan. The findings highlight cases of torture, arbitrary detention, and threats to personal security, particularly targeting women, former government affiliates, and media workers. The report, released by the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan and… Continue reading UN reports Taliban rights abuses against Afghan returnees

BEIJING: China has expressed deep concern over the deadly clashes between Cambodia and Thailand, marking a sharp escalation in their long-standing border dispute. Foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stated, “We are deeply concerned over the current developments (and) hope both sides can properly resolve issues through dialogue and consultations.” The conflict centres on the Emerald… Continue reading China expresses concern over Cambodia-Thailand border clashes

MANILA: Negotiations between the Philippines and the US over a revised 19 percent tariff rate remain unresolved, a senior economic adviser confirmed Thursday. Frederick Go, economic adviser to President Ferdinand Marcos, stated discussions are ongoing to finalise terms, easing concerns over potential harm to local farmers. “The negotiations are not yet finished. Our technical working… Continue reading Philippines-US tariff talks ongoing, key sectors protected

MOSCOW: A Soviet-era Antonov An-24 passenger plane carrying nearly 50 people crashed in Russia’s far east on Thursday, with initial reports indicating no survivors. Emergency services confirmed the aircraft, operated by Siberia-based Angara Airlines, was found burning in a forested area near Tynda. The plane, built in 1976, was en route from Blagoveshchensk to Tynda… Continue reading Russian passenger plane crashes in far east, 50 feared dead

BANGKOK/PHNOM PENH: A Thai F-16 fighter jet carried out airstrikes in Cambodia on Thursday, marking a dangerous escalation in a long-standing border dispute that has already claimed at least nine civilian lives, including a child. The Thai military confirmed the deployment of six F-16 jets, with one conducting the bombing operation. “We have used air… Continue reading Thailand F-16 jets bomb Cambodia as border conflict intensifies

BANGKOK: Thailand and Cambodia engaged in a deadly military confrontation on Thursday, with both sides exchanging air strikes, rockets, and artillery fire in a long-standing border dispute. The clashes, centered around the contested Emerald Triangle region, resulted in civilian casualties and heightened diplomatic tensions. Thai military officials confirmed that six F-16 jets were deployed from… Continue reading Thailand and Cambodia clash in deadly border conflict over Emerald Triangle

Thailand condemned Cambodia on Thursday as “inhumane, brutal and war-hungry”, accusing it of targeting homes and civilian infrastructure with artillery in clashes over a disputed border. Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub called on the international community to condemn Cambodia for its artillery barrage, which has killed at least one person and wounded several more. – AFP

ROTTERDAM: The Netherlands has added Israel to its list of foreign states posing a security threat for the first time, according to a report by the Dutch National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism (NCTV). The document, titled *Assessment of Threats from State Actors*, highlights Israel’s alleged attempts to manipulate Dutch public opinion and political decisions… Continue reading Netherlands lists Israel as security threat for first time

MOSCOW: A passenger aircraft carrying 46 people has lost communication in Russia’s Amur Region, emergency response services told Russian News Agency (TASS). “An An-24 operated by Angara Airlines failed to make contact at a designated checkpoint a few kilometres from Tynda Airport,“ a source said. The aircraft is carrying 40 passengers, including two children, along… Continue reading Russia: Passenger plane with 46 on board loses contact in Amur region

NEW YORK: Tesla announced another quarterly profit decline as CEO Elon Musk cautioned investors about potential “rough” quarters ahead following the elimination of federal electric vehicle (EV) tax credits. The company’s second-quarter profits fell 16% to $1.2 billion, with revenues dropping 12% to $22.5 billion. Musk acknowledged short-term challenges but remained optimistic about Tesla’s long-term… Continue reading Tesla profits drop as Musk warns of rough quarters ahead

NEW YORK: Columbia University has agreed to pay $200 million to the US government following threats from former President Donald Trump to cut federal funding. The dispute centered on allegations that the university failed to protect Jewish students and violated anti-discrimination laws. The settlement, announced on Wednesday, resolves multiple federal investigations and reinstates access to… Continue reading Columbia University pays $200m in settlement with Trump administration

SCOTLAND: US President Donald Trump is set to visit Scotland this week, returning to the land where his mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, was born and raised. The trip marks a personal journey for Trump, who has often spoken fondly of his Scottish heritage. “It’s great to be home, this was the home of my mother,“… Continue reading Trump visits Scotland to honor mother’s roots amid golf course opening

LONDON: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Britain on Thursday to sign a major trade deal with UK counterpart Keir Starmer, marking his fourth visit since taking office in 2014. The agreement, announced in May, aims to boost bilateral trade by £25.5 billion and add £4.8 billion annually to the UK economy. Starmer called… Continue reading Modi visits UK to sign trade deal with Starmer amid key talks

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump is set to visit the Federal Reserve on Thursday, according to the White House schedule. The visit comes amid growing pressure on the central bank to lower interest rates, a move Trump has repeatedly demanded. No additional details about the purpose of the visit were disclosed by the White House.… Continue reading Trump to visit Federal Reserve amid rate cut pressure

BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasised the need for China and the European Union to deepen trust and make “correct strategic choices” in a turbulent world during a summit in Beijing on Thursday. The talks, marking 50 years of diplomatic ties, highlighted both cooperation and friction on issues like trade, Ukraine, and market access. “The… Continue reading Xi urges China-EU trust amid global turbulence at Beijing summit

BANGKOK: A Cambodian artillery strike killed a Thai civilian on Thursday, the office of Thailand’s prime minister said, as the two neighbours clashed over a disputed border. “A Cambodian artillery shell hit a Thai civilian’s home, killing one, with a five-year-old child critically injured and two others wounded,“ the prime minister’s office said in a… Continue reading Cambodian artillery strike kills Thai civilian: Thai PM’s office

MANILA: The Philippines has suspended classes and scrapped dozens of flights as Typhoon Co-May approaches the northern island of Luzon, bringing heavy rains and strong winds. The typhoon, upgraded from a tropical storm, is expected to make landfall by Friday morning with sustained winds of 120 kilometres per hour. At least 12 people have died… Continue reading Philippines closes schools, cancels flights as Typhoon Co-May approaches

KUALA LUMPUR: Pelantikan pengerusi baharu Perbadanan Labuan kini di peringkat akhir dan akan diumumkan sebaik keputusan dimuktamadkan, menurut Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri (Wilayah Persekutuan) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa. Beliau menegaskan bahawa pelantikan itu tidak sengaja dilewatkan, tetapi dilakukan dengan teliti untuk memastikan calon yang dipilih benar-benar memahami keperluan Labuan dan mampu memacu pertumbuhan… Continue reading Pelantikan pengerusi Perbadanan Labuan di peringkat akhir – Dr Zaliha

GEORGE TOWN: Polis Pulau Pinang berjaya menahan empat lelaki dan merampas 112.1 kilogram (kg) bunga ganja bernilai RM3.72 juta dalam dua serbuan berasingan di Bukit Mertajam. Operasi itu dijalankan bermula 10 pagi Selasa hingga 3 pagi Rabu. Pemangku Ketua Polis Pulau Pinang Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin berkata, antara yang ditahan termasuk seorang warga Vietnam… Continue reading Empat lelaki ditahan, bunga ganja RM3.72 juta dirampas di Pulau Pinang

ISTANBUL: Filipino President Ferdinand Marcos Jr declared the Philippines’ shift to an “open market” policy with the US, eliminating tariffs on American automobiles. The announcement followed his meeting with former US President Donald Trump in Washington, as reported by Anadolu Ajansi (AA). Marcos highlighted the automobile sector as a key area for liberalization, stating, “We… Continue reading Philippines to adopt open market policy with US, Marcos Jr announces

WASHINGTON: The US State Department has launched an investigation into Harvard University’s visiting scholar program, scrutinising whether the institution complies with federal regulations. The probe is part of the Trump administration’s broader crackdown on elite universities accused of liberal bias and alleged failures in safeguarding national interests. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the investigation… Continue reading US probes Harvard over visiting scholar program compliance

BANGKOK: Thailand has expelled Cambodia’s ambassador and recalled its own envoy in response to a landmine explosion that injured Thai soldiers, escalating tensions in an ongoing border dispute. Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stated that Thai military investigations indicated Cambodia had planted new landmines in contested territory—an accusation Phnom Penh denies. The clash centers on… Continue reading Thailand expels Cambodian envoy amid escalating border dispute

HONG KONG: The Immigration Department of Hong Kong has arrested 18 individuals for submitting fraudulent academic credentials under the city’s Top Talent Pass Scheme. This marks the first time authorities have dismantled a syndicate assisting mainland Chinese applicants with forged documents. The group operated for over a year, processing at least 22 applications with fees… Continue reading Hong Kong arrests 18 for forged degrees in talent scheme

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that the United States could reduce threatened tariffs on European goods if the European Union grants better market access to American companies. The remarks came during an event focused on artificial intelligence, where Trump highlighted ongoing trade discussions with the EU. “If they agree to open up… Continue reading Trump offers tariff relief if EU opens market to US firms

GENEVA: The World Health Organization has firmly denied US allegations that recent amendments to global health regulations infringe on national sovereignty. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus clarified that the organization only provides guidance, leaving implementation entirely to member states. “Our job is to provide evidence-based recommendations and guidelines, and to support countries to protect and… Continue reading WHO denies US claims of violating national sovereignty in pandemic rules

LOS ANGELES: A former criminology student who murdered four university students in their sleep was sentenced to life in prison without parole in a case that has shocked the United States. Bryan Kohberger, 28, showed no emotion as the judge handed down four consecutive life terms, ending a case marked by unanswered questions and deep… Continue reading Criminology student gets life for killing 4 in US murder case

LOS ANGELES: A doctor charged in connection with the drug-related death of actor Matthew Perry has pleaded guilty to supplying the “Friends” star with ketamine. Salvador Plasencia, 43, admitted to four counts of distribution in a federal court hearing on Wednesday. Plasencia, one of five individuals charged over Perry’s death, faces up to 40 years… Continue reading Doctor admits guilt in supplying ketamine to Matthew Perry

SALEM: Israel has dismissed mounting international criticism over food shortages in Gaza, instead accusing Hamas of deliberately worsening the humanitarian crisis. Over 100 aid and human rights groups warned of “mass starvation” spreading in the territory, with France highlighting the “risk of famine” due to Israel’s blockade. World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated,… Continue reading Israel denies Gaza starvation claims, blames Hamas for crisis

ISTANBUL: Ukraine has called for direct negotiations between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russia’s Vladimir Putin by the end of August, with US President Donald Trump and Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan also participating. The proposal came during the latest round of talks in Istanbul, though Moscow downplayed immediate prospects for progress. Russia’s lead negotiator, Vladimir… Continue reading Ukraine pushes for Zelensky-Putin talks as Russia offers brief ceasefires

WASHINGTON: The United States has approved $322 million in arms sales to Ukraine to strengthen its air defenses and armored combat capabilities. The decision comes after a temporary pause in some weapons shipments earlier this month, even as Kyiv faced intensified Russian missile and drone strikes. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) confirmed the sale… Continue reading US approves $322 million arms sale to Ukraine for air defense